Putin Pleads for Caution on Syria, Calls US Military Interventions ‘Alarming’

Russian President Vladimir Putin says U.S. military intervention in other countries' internal conflicts has become alarming commonplace and he's calling for caution in dealing with Syria.

In an opinion piece for The New York Times, Putin says a U.S. military strike would create more victims and could spread the conflict beyond Syria, warning it could unleash a new wave of terrorism.

The Russian leader also takes a shot at President Barack Obama's Tuesday night address, in which he said American ideals and principles "are at stake in Syria" as he made his case for military action against the Assad government.

Putin writes: "It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation." He adds that whether countries have long democratic traditions or are still finding their way to democracy, "we must not forget that God created us equal."